You don’t have to go all the way to Las Vegas to find relaxing spas, upscale accommodations, charming eateries, and casino entertainment. Palm Springs has emerged as a popular getaway for travelers seeking an alternative to the hustle and bustle of Sin City. Just a short two-hour drive from Los Angeles or a convenient flight to the city’s international airport from various starting points, nestled by the San Jacino mountains and embraced by the renowned warm, arid climate, Palm Springs offers a diverse selection of resorts, restaurants, and adventures.
We embarked on our journey in the XC90 Volvo Hybrid SUV. This hybrid model offered excellent fuel efficiency, ample space, a premium sound system, and a comfortable ride from LA to the desert.
STAY
For those looking for a luxurious experience, the exquisite Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage Resort (32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, 888.999.1995) is a top choice. It boasts spacious rooms, a variety of dining options, a large pool deck, and an award-winning spa. The rooms feature modern design with a calming neutral color scheme complemented by chrome, wood, and marble furnishings. Expansive windows offer picturesque views of the desert and mountains, while a separate table provides a convenient workspace. Additional amenities include a dual sink bathroom with a large soaking tub, a spacious shower, and flat-screen TVs in both the bathroom and main room. Guests can explore the expansive casino for table games and slots, or relax at the 50,000 square foot pool deck for sunbathing and swimming.
DINE
A short descent in the elevator takes diners seeking an exceptional upscale steakhouse experience to The Steakhouse Rancho Mirage. The intimate dining room exudes a romantic ambiance with soft lighting, dark mahogany walls, plush red oversized booths, and accents in orange and red, making it a perfect setting for a date night, dinner with friends, or special occasions. Guests can also opt to dine outside the main room to soak in the casino floor’s vibrant atmosphere.
Noteworthy items on the menu include the grand seafood tower featuring oysters, jumbo shrimp, tuna tartare, king and snow crab with dipping sauces; Hawaiian tuna tartare with Ahi tuna, avocado, ginger, and ponzu sauce; the signature butter lettuce salad; a selection of steaks such as ribeye, filet, and New York with enhancements like blue cheese crust, roasted bone marrow, and seared scallops; delectable sides including smashed garlic mashed potatoes, duck rat roasted fingerling potatoes, roasted brussels with apple and guanciale, and lobster mac and cheese; and indulgent desserts like Key Lime pie and Bananas Foster.
For a more casual dining experience, guests can visit the Waters Café located across from The Steakhouse. The outdoor patio offers al fresco dining with a view of the pool. The menu features classic, mushroom, or crab benedict, strawberry crepes, omelets, French toast for breakfast, and options like bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, BBQ chicken flatbread, fish and chips, or chicken pot pie later in the day.
If you find yourself in downtown Palm Springs, be sure to visit Cheeky’s (622 N. Palm Canyon Drive) for an ideal brunch spot or enjoy breakfast until 2 pm daily. Indulge in their famous bacon flight featuring five flavors of bacon, an array of morning cocktails, and signature dishes like squash blossom enchiladas, chilaquiles, and salmon hash.
A recent addition to El Paseo’s dining scene is Porta Via (73100 El Paseo), a contemporary California bistro serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant’s ambiance features mid-century modern accents with large green booths, terrazzo tile floors, brass trimmings, wood chairs, and quirky light fixtures. Menu highlights include the tuna tower with Ahi tuna, sticky rice, and avocado; burrata and heirloom tomato; caviar service; grilled Ora King Salmon with vegetables and rice; blackened barramundi with green beans, rice, and mango habanero salsa; bistro burger; and bone-in ribeye.
EXPLORE
Guests can pamper themselves at the acclaimed Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente with facials, massages, or body scrubs. Our personal favorite was the Vitamin C facial, leaving our skin radiant and refreshed. Visitors can also take advantage of amenities such as the Menthol dry sauna, Eucalyptus steam room, whirlpool, and private spa pool.
For those with a penchant for shopping, a visit to El Paseo Shopping District in Palm Desert offers a delightful experience. Often referred to as the Rodeo Drive of the desert, this street and open-air mall feature over 300 shops, including popular brands like Apple, MAC, Sephora, Anthropologie, Williams Sonoma, as well as unique boutiques like Sundance, Kyle + Shahida, Olivier Napa Valley, and House of Lolo.
For breathtaking views, embark on a journey to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (1 Tramway Road off Highway 111), providing a panoramic perspective of the Coachella Valley and an exquisite sunset view from the peak of Mount San Jacinto, standing at 8,516 feet above the desert floor. The tram makes two full rotations during the 15-minute ride, treating passengers to stunning vistas of the Sonora desert and majestic mountain landscapes. This attraction is especially appealing during the summer months, offering temperatures that are typically 20-30 degrees cooler than the desert.
No trip to Palm Springs would be complete without sampling the delights of Sam Cobb Date Farms (22325 Henry Road, Desert Hot Springs, https://samcobbfarms.com). This family-owned farm, established two decades ago, boasts ranches in central and eastern Riverside County. Visitors can relish the sight of magnificent date palms, savor a variety of delicious dates including the unique Black Gold variety, and purchase some treats to bring back home.
Whether you visit the desert for relaxation, a special celebration, or to test your luck at the tables, Palm Springs caters to every desire.
Image Source: Retirebetternow.com
